How to: Create a NARS complexion with this guide to our iconic foundation coverage and finishes.

Founder & Creative Director François Nars believes that foundation is the key to modern makeup. “By balancing color without masking, skin looks flawless and healthy,” says François. At NARS, complexion is an expression of artistry and individuality. Our formulas are crafted for ultimate versatility—layer, blend, and experiment to create your signature finish. From a natural, radiant finish to full coverage, this guide will deliver step-by-step insight on choosing and perfecting your complexion.

UNDERSTANDING COVERAGE LEVELS

Before diving into products and application, it’s essential to recognize the three main coverage levels and what each delivers:

• Sheer coverage: For those who want to even skin tone while letting your natural skin shine through.
• Medium coverage: The perfect balance. Flexible and buildable coverage allows versatile layering so you control the effect.
• Full coverage: Highly-pigmented formulas that create a smooth, uniform base and completely conceal imperfections.

SHEER COVERAGE

IDEAL FOR: Everyday wear, perfecting skin without masking its natural beauty.

NARS LIGHT COVERAGE ICONS:

• Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer: Tinted moisturizer with SPF 30 that hydrates and smooths with sheer, buildable coverage and a radiant, natural finish.
• Sheer Glow Foundation: A sheer, buildable foundation with a natural-looking finish that hydrates and evens skin tone.

APPLICATION TIPS:

1. Prep skin with moisturizer and your preferred primer, if desired.
2. Apply a small amount of product to the center of the face, blending outward with fingers using gentle motions for seamless, luminous coverage.
3. For extra correction, layer on Radiant Creamy Concealer, blending carefully for an undetectable finish.

Artist tip: For a lit-from-within look, tap Light Reflecting™ Luminizing Powder on the high points of your face after your base.

MEDIUM COVERAGE

IDEAL FOR: Enhanced complexion, covering moderate imperfections, and achieving a smooth, natural look.

NARS MEDIUM COVERAGE ESSENTIALS:

• NEW Natural Matte Longwear Foundation: A pore-perfecting, 24-hour* modern matte foundation with medium-to-full coverage and a serum-like texture, designed to move with skin.
  *Based on a clinical study of 36 subjects

• Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation: Lightweight, medium-to-full coverage foundation with 16 hours of fade-resistant, natural-looking wear.
• Light Reflecting™ Foundation: Advanced makeup-skincare hybrid foundation with medium, buildable coverage and a natural, radiant finish.
• Sheer Glow Foundation: The natural, lightweight glow of this foundation can be built up to medium coverage by layering as desired.

APPLICATION TIPS:

1. Dispense foundation on the back of the hand and warm with your fingers.
2. Apply foundation starting at the center and blending outward into the jawline and hairline with fingertips.
3. Build additional layers as needed, focusing on areas requiring more coverage.

Artist tip: For a second-skin result, apply foundation only where necessary, blending outward for an undetectable transition. Use a small amount of concealer to perfect areas that need extra coverage.

FULL COVERAGE

IDEAL FOR: High-impact events, concealing stubborn pigmentation, or creating a seamless canvas for dramatic looks.

NARS FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION SOLUTIONS:

• NEW Natural Matte Longwear Foundation: Layer on the weightless, breathable formula of this high-performance foundation for a full coverage look.
• Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation: Turn up the coverage of this lightweight foundation by building for a seamless, perfected complexion.
• Soft Matte Complete Foundation: Medium-to-full coverage matte foundation with oxidation-resistant, 16-hour wear. Exclusively at narscosmetics.com.

Artist tip: Remember, full coverage doesn’t mean a heavy application. All NARS foundations are designed for fingertip application and can be sheered out by applying a small amount, warming it between the hands, and pressing it into the skin like a moisturizer.

APPLICATION TIPS:

1. Dispense a small amount on the back of your hand.
2. Apply foundation in thin layers with fingertips, allowing coverage to build gradually. Press additional product into areas where more coverage is desired.
3. Pair foundation with Radiant Creamy Concealer or Soft Matte Complete Concealer to perfect specific areas.
4. Set with a light veil of setting powder for long-lasting, transfer-resistant wear.

FIND YOUR MATCH

Explore the full range of NARS foundations and concealers online, or consult a NARS Artist to discover the ideal products for your skin type, undertone, and complexion goals.